Property tours are a necessary step in the rental process. While an online listing may spark a renter’s interest, it’s the tour that really helps them make leasing decisions. Historically, this has meant scheduling a time for tenants to tour in person. However, with the emergence of virtual tours and 3D models, this process has become much more streamlined.
While 3D tours have become an industry staple, physical showings still have their place in the rental process. In an ideal world, you’d offer both touring options. However, if you want to pick between the two, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which best aligns with your business goals.
In this article, we’ll compare virtual tours vs. physical showings to help you determine which is best for your rental business. Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover:
- Virtual tours vs. physical showings: side-by-side
- Pros and cons of virtual tours
- Pros and cons of physical showings
- How to create a 3D tour on Apartments.com
Virtual Tours vs. Physical Showings: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Before we dive deep into pros and cons, here’s a side-by-side breakdown of each touring option:
|
Feature |
Virtual Tours |
Physical Showings |
|
Convenience |
View anytime, anywhere |
Requires scheduling and in-person attendance |
|
Time efficiency |
Saves time by eliminating travel |
May take longer due to commuting and coordination |
|
Accessibility |
Accessible to out-of-town renters or those with mobility constraints |
Limited to local or nearby renters |
|
Personal interaction |
No direct interaction with the landlord or property manager |
Allows face-to-face communication |
|
Property details |
May miss subtle details or a sense of space |
Provides a comprehensive and tangible experience |
|
Cost |
Minimal cost to create and host |
Requires funds for preparation and hosting |
|
Impression |
May feel less personal or immersive |
Creates a stronger emotional connection with space |
Pros and Cons of Virtual Tours
First, let’s discuss virtual tours. Including one of these on your property listing can do wonders for your reach, engagement, and cost savings. However, if you’re using a virtual tour as a substitute for physical showings, you may also encounter some drawbacks. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of virtual tours:
Pros of virtual tours
Maximum exposure
One of the major benefits of virtual 3D tours is exposure. Unlike physical showings, which require renters to visit in person, 3D tours allow for remote exploration. This added convenience broadens your listing’s appeal, garnering interest not only from local renters but also those from cities or states away. As a result, you can expect to see more inquiries and a potentially faster leasing process.
Cost-effectiveness
Another advantage of virtual tours is cost savings. Rather than doing all the expensive prep for an in-person showing, 3D tours are simple, fast, and affordable. No need to buy refreshments for guests or hire a professional cleaning service beforehand. All you need is a phone or camera and a Wi-Fi connection to quickly create your virtual tour. Not to mention, once you’ve got your winning take, you won’t have to make another tour, which won’t be the case if you’re strictly showing a home in person.
Flexibility
Scheduling conflicts are a common culprit for losing quality leads. However, 3D tours eliminate these obstacles. A virtual tour allows prospective tenants to tour your property without disrupting their day-to-day lives. Whether they’re in a doctor’s office waiting room or taking a quick break during lunch, virtual tours provide unmatched flexibility. This not only simplifies the process for renters but also for you. By eliminating the need to constantly adjust your schedule for in-person tours, you can focus on other important aspects of property management.
Cons of virtual tours
Technical limits
In today’s digital age, you’ll find renters with varying levels of technical knowledge and accessibility. While some might strictly search/tour online, others might prefer more traditional methods. This is something to consider if you’re exclusively offering virtual tours. Some renters might have limited online accessibility or lack the skills to navigate a 3D tour. In this case, consider offering physical touring options as well to maximize your pool of interested renters.
Lack of personal interactions
The beauty of physical showings, of course, is to interact with future renters face-to-face. Unfortunately, virtual tours don’t foster these personal interactions. If you’re someone who values the personal aspect of renting, then virtual tours might not be the way to go. However, there are other ways to personalize the virtual touring experience, such as hosting live Q&A sessions or offering virtual one-on-one meetings with potential renters.
Less detail
While a 3D tour does provide a great overall view of your property, it won’t capture every single detail. If a renter has specific questions or requests, such as wanting to see the closet space or a particular appliance, they might not be satisfied with a virtual tour. Additionally, virtual tours don’t allow for external exploration, meaning the renter won’t be able to get a feel for the home’s exterior or surrounding areas. This limited detail might deter a renter from a property, especially if physical showings aren’t on the table.
Pros and Cons of Physical Showings
Now let’s move on to physical showings. Like virtual tours, physical tours have their fair share of pros and cons. While they are the more detailed and immersive option, they require more time, effort, and money than virtual alternatives. Here’s a closer look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of physical showings:
Pros of physical showings
Immediate feedback
A major upside of physical showings is immediate feedback from renters. Rather than going back and forth on an email thread or scheduling a phone call, you can address renters' questions or concerns in real time. This instantaneous feedback can quickly eliminate a tenant’s doubts and help them make quicker, more confident decisions. Additionally, immediate feedback allows you to gather valuable information about what renters are looking for and what they may be hesitant about, which can inform your future marketing strategies.
Personal interactions
As mentioned earlier, 3D tours limit personal, face-to-face interaction with future tenants. Physical showings, on the other hand, do the complete opposite. Hosting an in-person tour allows you to interact with interested renters, answer their questions directly, and start building a positive tenant-landlord relationship. These interactions can lead to better communication, trust, and a higher likelihood of them signing a lease with you.
Physical inspection
Physical tours leave nothing to the imagination. They allow tenants to get up close and personal, exploring every nook and cranny of the space. Whether they want to see how spacious the refrigerator is or the under-the-sink storage, renters can examine every single detail if they choose. This allows them to feel confident in their decision, potentially speeding up the deliberation and leasing process.
Cons of physical showings
Time constraints
A major drawback to physical showings, of course, is time constraints. Both you and your prospective tenants must carve time out of your schedule to meet at the property, which can be difficult to arrange. Then, there’s always preparation to consider, as you’ll have to dedicate time toward cleaning/staging the property. Ultimately, if you’re on a tight schedule, a physical showing may not be in the cards for you.
Higher costs
Physical showings are the more expensive option of the two. As previously mentioned, they require time, effort, and funds for preparation and scheduling. Then, there might also be additional costs for advertising the showing. If you’re hosting an open house, for example, you’ll have to invest in promotional materials to get the word out. This can rack up a lot of recurring expenses if you host multiple showings, while a virtual tour usually only requires a one-time purchase.
Limited reach
Earlier, we discussed how virtual tours are the best route for maximum exposure, surpassing the limitations of physical showings. Relying solely on in-person tours restricts your pool of potential tenants to those who can physically visit the property. Consider this scenario: a prospective renter from another state is highly interested in your property but hesitates to sign a lease without seeing it first. Without a virtual tour, you risk losing them as a tenant. By offering virtual tours, you eliminate this barrier, allowing renters from any location to explore your property.
Create a Virtual 3D Tour on Apartments.com
Curious about the benefits of 3D tours? You can create one effortlessly with Apartments.com! Our platform integrates Matterport’s cutting-edge technology, which transforms real-world spaces into immersive digital replicas.
With Matterport, you can design a stunning 3D model of your property, allowing renters to virtually explore your listing from anywhere. It’s easy to get started—just grab your phone, download the Matterport app, and follow a few simple steps to bring your tour to life. Once created, link your 3D tour to your Premium listing on Apartments.com—and just like that, potential renters can experience your property in an entirely new and interactive way.
FAQs
What is a 3D virtual tour?
A 3D virtual tour is a digital representation of a physical space, allowing users to virtually explore and interact with the property without being physically present.
Are virtual house tours worth it?
Yes, virtual house tours save time and make it easy to view multiple properties from anywhere. They provide a clear sense of layout and design, helping buyers or renters decide if a property is worth pursuing.
What are the disadvantages of virtual tours?
Virtual tours may not show every detail, such as small damage or issues with lighting. Additionally, they can lack the emotional connection or feel gained from visiting a space in person.
